No compensation over Newcastle Airport noise
Jul 3 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal
Equivalent noise of a dishwasher
NEWCASTLE City Council safety and noise team manager Ed Foster told The Journal noise levels of 60 decibels are equivalent to a dishwasher or background radio music being on.
He said: “These levels will cause some irritation and will distract you during conversations or potentially disrupt sleep patterns.” But he added: “We are fairly fortunate in that the airport is on the edge of the city and at the coast, meaning aircraft fly fairly high over urban areas and avoid more populated areas.
“Newcastle is one on the better airports in terms of noise exposure in that it is one of the quietest and that is because of its location.”
Things have improved
RESIDENTS in Heddon on the Wall said noise levels from planes has improved during the past three years, although the jet engines can still be heard.
The rural village lies directly on a flight path of planes taking off from Newcastle International Airport. Villagers say they fly low and through all hours of the day or night but particularly in the mornings and late afternoons.
John Banks, of Calvus Drive, said the noise sometimes became irritating during the summer when people liked to have their windows open.
Mr Banks said: "We live on the flight path so you do see and hear a lot of planes at all times of the day and night. I think over the years you become used to them though, although there are certain planes that appear to fly lower and make more noise than others.
"During the summer it’s a bit of a problem because people like to have their windows open and the airport is busier with people going on holiday. We do sometimes get disturbed by them, but I think it has improved over the years – a few years ago it really was bad."
John Watson, also of Calvus Drive, added: "The airport, as far as I’m aware, has never really communicated with residents about the noise but it’s only sometimes that it can be annoying. I think double glazing has definitely helped, especially as there are more planes now than in the past. It does make it a bit more difficult if you want your window open at night when it’s hot during the summer."
